A new shelter for homeless seniors officially opened in Chilliwack on Friday.
The Grove, a 42-bed shelter operated by Ruth and Naomi鈥檚 Mission (RAN), opened its doors on Aug. 1, and at-risk people will be able to access services within about two weeks.
It's part of RAN's temporary housing solutions initiative to "rapidly provide housing for people in encampments or emergency shelters," RAN officials said.
The single, dorm-style rooms are designed for adults aged 55 and older facing housing insecurity. They will also be given meals, and have access to essential services.
鈥淭he Grove is more than a shelter 鈥� it鈥檚 a place of safety, support, and belonging,鈥� said Scott Gaglardi, executive director of Ruth and Naomi鈥檚 Mission. 鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful for our partnership with the province, through BC Housing, and the City of Chilliwack, as we respond to the growing need among older adults facing housing insecurity.鈥�
Each person using the shelter will have access to three daily meals, laundry facilities, case management, health and housing referrals, and skill-building programs. Every private room includes a bed, secure storage, and access to shared washrooms.
鈥淭he need for this is paramount,鈥� said Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove. 鈥淥ur seniors population is certainly the fastest growing segment of our population, so a facility like this is much-needed.鈥�
The Grove is at 45466 Yale Rd. 鈥� the site of the former Travelodge Hotel 鈥� and sits next to an existing supportive housing site and addiction recovery program by RAN, allowing for operational efficiencies and continuity of care.
鈥淓very person experiencing homelessness, regardless of their age, should have access to a supportive place to stay, with a roof over their head,鈥� said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. 鈥淏y creating spaces that meet the needs of older adults, The Grove will provide residents with the privacy, stability, and supports they need to build and live full, healthy lives.鈥�
There is no maximum amount of time a person can stay at The Grove, but it is a "short-term, safe-housing solution that it is meant to help find a safer, long-term housing solution for them," Hannah Wiebe, community engagement co-ordinator with RAN explained.
The provincial government, through BC Housing, has provided approximately $5 million in capital funding through the 'homeless and encampment response temporary housing solutions' program, plus $1.96 million in operating funding.
鈥淭his is what it looks like when compassion, empathy, faith and partnership come together and say 鈥楬ow can we change lives for the better?鈥欌�� Gaglardi said.
Chilliwack-Cultus Lake MLA 脕鈥檃:l铆ya Warbus said a project like this makes everyone "wealthier to be able to say that we are embracing people that are vulnerable" in Chilliwack.
"We're wrapping our arms around them, we support them, and we love all of the people that make this possible in our community. We can do more of this in our community. We have the capacity, and we have a space in our hearts," Warbus said.